Scotland’s roads are set for a major safety upgrade, as the Scottish Government commits £14 million to assist all 32 local authorities in reducing casualties on the local road network.
A significant £10 million from this fund will be channelled through the Road Safety Improvement Fund to back crucial safety schemes designed to lower risks and reduce accidents on local roads across the nation.
Complementing this, an additional £4 million will be dedicated to initiatives focused on pedestrian and cyclist safety, with the introduction of 20mph speed limits in high-risk zones a key component of the plan.
To support the uniform application of these lower speed limits, the government has also released a 20mph Implementation Guide, which will help local authorities introduce these limits consistently and effectively, promoting safer environments within communities.
The Scottish Government’s record investment of £36 million in road safety this financial year, including this £14 million commitment, reflects an ambitious drive to curb road casualties and meet Scotland’s goal of becoming one of the world’s safest countries for road users.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop expressed pride in this substantial financial backing, emphasising that all 32 local authorities would benefit as Scotland takes strides toward its ambitious 2030 safety targets.
According to Hyslop, this investment underlines the government’s dedication to road safety and its collaboration with local authorities and road safety partners, who will use this funding to implement measures that ensure public protection.
“We are unwavering in our goal to make Scotland’s roads the safest in the world by 2030,” said Hyslop, stressing her commitment to saving lives and creating safer routes across Scotland.
Beyond infrastructure improvements, evaluations will be conducted on each project to measure its impact, ensuring accountability and long-term effectiveness in reducing casualties and making streets safer.
Ewan Wallace, Chair of the Society of Chief Officers for Transportation in Scotland, highlighted the shared responsibility in reducing road fatalities and injuries, saying that local roads authorities and regional transport partnerships are key players in making a tangible difference within communities.
Wallace expressed his support for the new Road Safety Improvement Fund, stating that it will provide both physical upgrades and essential training to drive Scotland’s vision of safer streets forward.
This investment marks a crucial step in Scotland’s commitment to reducing road casualties, promising a safer future for all road users.